Is Timothy hay lower than Orchard sugar?

Orchard grass is similar in starch levels to Timothy hay but can be significantly higher in ethanol soluble carbohydrate, measuring up to 20 percent. The sugar content of feeds and hay is evaluated based on the starch and ethanol soluble carbohydrate -- also called simple sugars -- content.

Is timothy or orchard grass lower in sugar?

Unfortunately, there is no grass that is consistently low in sugar. Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content. Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.

What type of hay has the lowest sugar content?

Low sugar hay is extremely important in a horse's diet due to its health properties and the enormous benefits it can offer. While lucerne usually has lower sugar than a lot of grass hays, it more often than not tests HIGHER in sugar, starch & protein compared to our Low Sugar Hay.

Is timothy hay high in sugar?

The only grasses I have found to always be low in sugar are difficult to grow, low yielding and require intensive management. It's easier to say avoid ryegrass, fescue, timothy, clover, and high sugar weeds. "It's easier to say avoid, ryegrass, fescue, timothy, clover, and high sugar weeds."

Is timothy or orchard hay better?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.

Hay - What to choose - Variety - Alfalfa - Orchard - Timothy

What hay is best for Laminitic horses?

Generally, a mixture of grass hay and alfalfa is the best hay combination for horses prone to laminitis.

Is timothy hay good for Laminitic horses?

Timothy is an excellent choice for any horse that tends towards laminitis or is considered a good doer, provided they're not being worked too hard. Opting for timothy hay is a wise and cost-effective choice, but you need to ensure you're buying quality stuff.

Does orchard grass have more sugar than Timothy hay?

Orchard grass is similar in starch levels to Timothy hay but can be significantly higher in ethanol soluble carbohydrate, measuring up to 20 percent. The sugar content of feeds and hay is evaluated based on the starch and ethanol soluble carbohydrate -- also called simple sugars -- content.

What hay is highest in sugar?

Oat hay tends to be higher in nitrates and also high in sugar (NSC), so this hay is not an option for insulin resistant horses. Here's a comparison chart so you can see the differences between alfalfa hay, timothy (grass) hay and oat hay.

What grasses are low in sugar?

That said, species that are lower in sugars and allow for longer grazing times include timothy, brome orchardgrass, bermudagrass, and teff. Millet and crabgrass are acceptable as well, although millet can have higher sugars when nights are cooler.

What is the difference between timothy hay and orchard grass?

Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.

Is Timothy grass the same as Timothy hay?

Timothy Grass has a slightly higher protein and is greener in appearance. Timothy Hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass. Timothy Hay is high in fiber and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals.

Do horses like orchard grass hay?

“As a source of fiber, well-made orchardgrass hay has a place in the diets of all types of horses. When it's clean and sweet-smelling, its palatability is wonderful, and few horses refuse it,” said Kathleen Crandell, Ph. D., nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research (KER).

Is orchard grass vs Timothy hay better for rabbits?

Orchard grass is more heat and drought tolerant than timothy grass. Orchard grass grows rapidly at cool temperatures, is very productive in early spring and recovers quickly af ter cutting. Orchard grass, in our experience, usually runs a bit higher on the protein scale than timothy.

Is orchard grass or Timothy hay better for guinea pigs?

Orchard hay for guinea pigs is an excellent choice for guinea pig parents that are allergic to timothy hay or is wanting to provide some variety into their diet. This is another favorite amongst guinea pigs and for good reasons. Orchard hay has a sweeter smell and a softer texture than typical timothy hay.

Is orchard grass high in carbohydrates?

There are no grasses consistently low in carbohydrates. Most cool-season grasses like orchardgrass and fescue can be higher in carbohydrates.

What is considered low-sugar in horse feed?

Horse owners can calculate the NSC rate in a commercial horse feed by adding the percentage of sugar and starches listed in the guaranteed analysis on the feed bag. For horses with metabolic conditions, safe NSC percentages are generally 12% or lower, nutritionists say.

Is timothy hay or alfalfa better for horses?

Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it's generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.

Does soaking hay remove sugar?

In addition to removing sugars, soaking also reduces some minerals. Crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations all decrease with soaking.

What is the best hay for cows?

Timothy hay is recommended by many experts due to its ease on various animal's digestive system as well as promotion of bowel regularity. Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows.

What's the best hay to feed horses?

Is Timothy Hay good for underweight horses?

Benefits for Horses

Horse owners have found that Timothy hay promotes a shiny coat, good digestion, bowel regularity, and a healthy weight. It is also excellent for colic prone, protein-sensitive, and obese horses.

What is the best hay for a foundered horse?

Alfalfa hay (lucerne) can be part of the diet during the acute stages. Chaff, beet pulp, and soy hulls can provide part of the fiber intake. If weight loss is required, it is best to stabilize the horse medically before embarking on a weight-loss program with major caloric restriction.

Can too much hay cause laminitis?

It has become evident in recent years that although the over consumption of grass or feed high in starch or sugar is still commonly associated with horses developing laminitis, up to 90% of cases have an underlying hormonal cause.

What can you not feed a horse with laminitis?

Avoid grain or sweet feed that is high in starch and/or sugar. If additional calories are needed, either add a fat supplement or a fiber-based feed with <20-25% NSC. (Horses with a history of laminitis should have feeds 14% NSC or less.)